Tesco Drink Recalled Over 'Disgusting Smell'

Tesco has recalled one of its own-brand squash drinks after customers complained of a "disgusting smell" and some children were reportedly left vomiting.

Some parents have raised the possibility that it could have caused their children's upset stomachs.

The supermarket said it had withdrawn the Tesco No Added Sugar Double Concentrate Apple and Blackcurrant 750ml and 1.5-litre products.

A flavour additive was added in error to the squash, but Tesco said it posed no food safety risk.

A post on the PlayPennies website which had alerted users to the recall led to a flurry of replies from those who said they had opened the squash and noticed an unusual odour.

Others reported their children had been physically sick after drinking it.

Tesco said a flavour addictive was added in error but posed no safety risk

One poster wrote: "I bought 2 bottles of this squash over a week to a fortnight ago.

"We opened one and it smelt absolutely disgusting ... the only way to describe the smell was that it had been mixed with used toilet water..."

Clairedavies85 said: "Had this other day. The smell was horrendous but drank it anyway as I thought they just changed it.

"Since then both my daughter and partner have had bad bellies."

MrsD32 posted: "We finished a bottle of this yesterday and opened a new one last night.

"My eldest 2 children are off school today, one with diarrhoea and the other was sick all night. I hope this is a coincidence Tesco but it's not looking very likely!"

Swilly26 wrote: "I gave this to my son on Sunday then Sunday night he was sick. He's had some more today and been sick again..."

A message on the Tesco website said: "Sorry, this product is currently not available."

A Tesco spokeswoman said: "We have investigated with our supplier complaints about Tesco No Added Sugar Double Concentrate Apple and Blackcurrant 750ml and 1.5l.

"A flavour additive, which is not part of the ingredients for this product, has been added in error. The additive is called Dimethyl Disulphide and is a common ingredient in food products.

"It is an approved additive and poses no food safety risk. However, it does have a strong odour, similar to garlic, which customers are likely to find unpleasant.

"Only products bought since the New Year may be affected, they will have a best-before date of October 2015.

"Any customers can return this product, open or unopened, to any Tesco store."

It is the latest in a string of problems for the company, including falling sales and a £263m profits overstatement.

Tesco announced last month it would close 43 stores as it moved to save costs, and has now revealed the locations, placing 2,000 jobs at risk.

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Briton Named New Chief Executive Of McDonald's

A Briton has been named as the new chief executive of McDonald's, as the fast food chain tackles disappointing sales worldwide.

Steve Easterbrook will become the new president and CEO of the company in March. His predecessor, Don Thompson, had only held the position for two-and-a-half years.

Net income at McDonald's plummeted by 21% in the fourth quarter to $1.1bn (£726m), as customers shopped around for healthier, cheaper and more customisable alternatives.

Steve Easterbrook was formerly in charge of McDonald's branches in the UK

Sky's Business Presenter, Ian King, said: "This is really quite noteworthy - as one thinks of McDonald's as being an all-American company.

"Mr Easterbook has been with McDonald's since 1993. He came to the attention of the US board after what he did running the UK business, which had been going through a really sticky time a decade ago."

The company's board of directors believe Mr Easterbrook can "effectively lead the company to improved financial and operational performance".

Last Friday, McDonald's announced drastic changes to its menu - with plans to offer custom-made Big Macs and allow diners to place orders on their mobile phones.

McDonald's is still smarting from a food safety scare in China, where it faced allegations of using contaminated beef and chicken in its products.

The chain is expecting weak sales for the first half of 2015, and also plans to open fewer restaurants in regions with the poorest growth.

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Facebook's Status Update: Huge Leap In Profits

Facebook made a profit of $696m (£460m) in the final three months of 2014 - up 33% on the same period the previous year.

For the seventh quarter in a row the social network beat profit and revenue forecasts, with mobile phone advertising behind the increase.

The company, formed in 2004, began offering mobile phone adverts in 2012 in the same year is stock began publicly trading.

Revenue grew to $3.85bn (£2.54bn), up from $2.59bn (£1.71bn) in 2014, with advertising revenue also jumping 53% to $3.59bn (£2.37bn), its latest financial results said.

Facebook reported a 13% increase in its number of users, to 1.39 billion, at the end of the year.

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The company, which also owns photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging service WhatsApp, has launched stand-alone mobile apps of its own.

Shares in the California-based company are down less than 2% on the year.

The firm's stock closed up 49 cents at $76.27 after the report. In the last 12 months it has gained around 39%.

Earlier this month, Facebook and Instagram denied hackers were behind problems that left millions of users shut out of its services.

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Apple Achieves Largest Quarterly Profit Ever

Apple has reported quarterly profits of $18bn (£11.8bn) for the final three months of 2014 - the largest ever made by a public company.

The technology giant's financial performance was driven by a new range of larger iPhones, with 74.5 million handsets sold between October and December.

Its net profit far exceeds the previous record-holder, ExxonMobil, who reported earnings of $15.9bn (£10.5bn) during the second quarter of 2012.

Experts had predicted that Apple's total revenues would be $53.6bn (£35bn) for the quarter - but according to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, this was closer to $74.6bn (£49bn).

According to technology analysts, it took Apple a long time to get to grips with the fact that the public wanted larger screens - causing their market share to plummet.

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Gartner's Van Baker said: "They finally closed the gap on a feature they were missing, which their competition had capitalised on."

Some investors are concerned about how Apple will perform financially in the coming year, with iPad sales down 22% in the last quarter, and warnings that growth in the smartphone sector is beginning to slow.

The iPhone accounts for two-thirds of Apple's revenue and China sales rose 70% on the year, thanks to the larger screens of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Analysts now estimate the company is leading the smartphone market in China, despite its products costing double those of domestic rivals.

Video: Sept: Complaints Of Bendy iPhone 6

Although the California-based firm is planning to launch a smartwatch in March, it remains unclear whether the device will be a big hit with customers.

Other companies have been disappointed with demand for similar offerings, amid concerns that the battery life is insufficient for a whole day's use.

Apple is currently the world's most valuable company, with a market capitalisation of $651bn (£428bn).

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Military Signs Deal For 'Next Gen Passwords'

By Pete Norman, Sky News Business

The US military is developing a new identity verification system that could replace passwords and biometric systems for web users.

The technology is being created under a multimillion-dollar contract for researchers at West Point, home of the army's military academy.

The focus of West Point's work is on "cognitive fingerprints" rather than physical characteristics such as palms, face, DNA or iris recognition.

The biometric application programme interface (API) is based on the emerging field of behavioural-based biometrics, where algorithms are used to confirm identity by recognising the way a person uses desktop or mobile device.

It may include observing the rhythm of writing, how a mouse or cursor is moved, frequent typographical errors and typing speed.

Video: Oct 14: US Military Concept Vehicle

It is a major step forward from existing identity checks and is described in a contract document seen by Sky News.

"Just as when you touch something with your finger you leave behind a fingerprint, when you interact with technology you do so in a pattern based on how your mind processes information, leaving behind a 'cognitive fingerprint'," the document explains.

"The biometrics program is creating a next generation biometric capability built from multiple stylometric/behavioural modalities using standard Department of Defence computer hardware."

Stylometrics includes the analysis of how text is constructed, with existing technology used for checking for academic authorship and plagiarism.

The military expects to develop the system for encrypted data communications across all of its services, as part of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency active authentication programme.

With eventual transfer to the civilian world, it is expected to be used for personal verification in online banking, shopping and control of numerous future home devices as part of the "internet of things".

West Point has become a key hub for the US military in developing the system, which is now in its fourth phase.

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International Biometric Group (IBG) has been awarded a $3m (£2m) contract to carry on previous security identification work undertaken for West Point.

IBG was bought by Novetta Solutions in 2012, which described its capabilities as "biometrics and virtual identity management".

At the time Novetta boss Peter LaMontagne described the company's work as spanning "the full spectrum of cutting edge technical challenges, from big data and cyber security to social media and gaming, all in a national security context".

Tech strategy consultant Sharif Sakr from ViaTheWire told Sky News: "We're living the Wild West era of the internet and anybody can get away with fraud, harassment and spying on an industrial scale because there is no effective way to identify people online.

"For this reason, any tech that passively and rapidly identifies internet users could be an essential step towards making the web a more civilised place."

But privacy campaigners are expected to oppose the concept of invisible and seamless identification, as it may allow for wider monitoring of society.

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Protesters To Rally Against Fracking Proposals

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

Demonstrators from around the UK are expected to gather in Lancashire today, ahead of a controversial decision on the future of fracking in the county.

It is the first time that Cuadrilla, an exploration company, has applied to develop new fracking sites since being blamed for creating earth tremors in Blackpool three years ago.

The firm suspended test drilling and abandoned its site near the seaside resort following the quakes in 2011.

The Preese Hall site remains the only place in the UK where modern fracking techniques have been used so far.

Tina Rothery says she has put her life on hold to campaign against fracking

And the new areas sit on the same massive reserve of shale gas which experts say could help revolutionise Britain's energy market.

But groups opposed to fracking say it would industrialise the countryside and pollute the environment.

Video: A Guide To Fracking

Cuadrilla has applied to Lancashire County Council for permission to frack two sites in a rural area between Preston and Blackpool.

Officers at the authority have recommended that councillors vote against the proposals because of concerns over noise and road safety.

If the councillors accept the recommendations, it will be seen as a major blow to the efforts to kick-start Britain's shale gas industry.

Anti-fracking campaigner Tina Rothery said: "Like many people in the anti-fracking movement, we have completely put our own lives on hold for four years just to get this done - because how do you walk away from this?

"Every door I would look to walk out of would have my granddaughter's face on it. I can't walk away and go 'It's okay - they'll take care of it' because it's too big."

Video: MPs Reject Fracking Moratorium

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the process of drilling a mile or more into the earth before water, chemicals and sand are injected under high pressure into rock, releasing the shale gas trapped inside.

In recent years, it has become one of the most divisive issues in the UK, leading to violent scenes between police and protesters at proposed sites in Manchester, Lancashire and Sussex.

Supporters such as Blackpool businessman Tony Raynor claim his interest in fracking was prompted by the local earth tremors several years ago.

"Like most people, I was ambivalent to shale gas, but the tremors made me want to find out more. Now I'm in favour," he said.

"There are fewer jobs here now than there were in 2004 and we all worry about the brain drain (from the area) and our children finding opportunities in this region. We need economic activity happening in Blackpool."

Video: Bianca Jagger Debates Fracking

The anti-fracking movement has built up considerably over recent years. Its supporters say pollution in the US has shown the process is environmentally unsustainable.

However, supporters argue that it has considerably reduced America's dependence on imported energy supplies and helped to bolster the economy.

Cuadrilla has asked that the local authority allows more time to consider its proposals for minimising the environmental impact at fracking sites. If Lancashire councillors do reject Cuadrilla's plans, the company is expected to appeal.

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Russia's Credit Rating Cut To Junk Status

Russia's sovereign credit rating has been downgraded to junk status by Standard & Poor's which cited growing economic weaknesses.

The ratings agency's cut brings the country's rating, essentially a threat level, below investment grade for the first time in a decade.

The decision risks raising borrowing costs in Russia as many investment and pension funds have rules that prevent them buying any product not classed as investment grade.

It also makes it more difficult for banks and other companies to refinance themselves.

S&P said it had cut the rating from BBB- to BB+ because of the growing impact of low oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Video: Putin Promises Economic Recovery

The move, while widely expected, triggered a further weakening of the rouble - falling more than 7% at one stage to 70 to the dollar.

Banking stocks were also badly hit while the cost of insuring Russian sovereign debt for five years rose, in a sign of investors' concern.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov played down the situation.

"The decision taken shows the excessive pessimism of the agency. It fails to consider a series of factors which characterise the strong side of the Russian economy: the accumulation of large international reserves, including in the sovereign funds," he said.

Video: Can Russia Overcome Rouble Crisis?

Russia's international reserves, managed by the central bank, have collapsed since early last year following heavy spending to prop up the rouble which has fallen more than 40% against the dollar in the last year.

Russia's economy is expected to slide into recession this year as a result of soaring inflation and the weak oil price.

A 60% fall in oil costs since June last year has depressed export revenues.

Oil is the biggest contributor to the Russian purse and president Vladimr Putin has admitted a failure to diversify the country's economy, pledging to publish soon an economic plan to combat the crisis.

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1. Gallery: Fierce Fighting Continues On Front Line In Ukraine

   A Ukrainian serviceman fires a weapon during fighting with pro-Russian separatists in Pesky village near Donetsk

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia on Wednesday of sending 9,000 troops to back separatist rebels in the east of his country, something Russia strongly denied

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Aer Lingus Deal With BA Owner Moves Closer

The board of Aer Lingus says it is willing to recommend the financial terms of an approach by the owner of British Airways.

The Irish flag carrier's statement was seen as support for the proposed £1bn (€1.36bn) takeover by International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) but it said the bid's success was in the hands of major shareholders which include Ireland's government. 

It said: IAG has indicated that it would only proceed with its third proposal with an indication from the Board of Aer Lingus that it would be willing to recommend the financial terms of the Revised Proposal.

"Having considered this request, the Board has indicated to IAG that the financial terms are at a level at which it would be willing to recommend, subject to being satisfied with the manner in which IAG proposes to address the interests of relevant parties.

"The Board notes IAG's intentions regarding the future of the company, in particular that Aer Lingus would operate as a separate business with its own brand, management and operations, continuing to provide connectivity to Ireland, while benefiting from the scale of being part of the larger IAG group."

IAG said: "IAG believes that the proposal would secure and strengthen Aer Lingus's brand and long term future within a successful and profitable European airline group, offering significant benefits to both Aer Lingus and its customers.

"IAG recognises the importance of direct air services and air route connectivity for investment and tourism in Ireland and intends to engage with the Irish government in order to secure its support for the transaction."

Aer Lingus was privatised nine years ago, leaving the Dublin government with a current 25% stake.

It will want assurances from IAG over its plans for the key Dublin to Heathrow route.

No-frills carrier Ryanair, which owns 29.8% of Aer Lingus following a series of failed takeover attempts, may be tempted to sell as it has been told by UK competition authorities to draw down its stake on competition grounds.

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Websites Including Facebook And Instagram Go Down

Websites including Facebook, Tinder and Instagram have temporarily gone down - leaving millions of users worldwide unable to log in.

Facebook users in the UK, US, Asia and Australia complained of being locked out of the world's largest social network.

Instagram - owned by Facebook - told users via its Twitter account that it was aware of an outage and was working on a fix.

AIM and Hipchat are also thought to have been affected.

There was no immediate statement from Facebook, which went down for around an hour before normal service resumed.

Video: Dec: Lizard Squad's 'Ryan' On Hacks

Hacking group Lizard Squad - which recently claimed responsibility for a Christmas Day attack on PlayStation and Xbox Live services - said on Twitter that it was responsible for the problems.

The incident came a day after the group said it had hacked the Malaysia Airlines website - posting the message: "404 - Plane Not Found. Hacked by Cyber Caliphate".

Facebook had 1.25 billion monthly active users at the end of September.

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Energy Bills: SSE Latest Firm To Cut Gas Cost

Another of the so-called 'Big Six' energy firms, SSE, has confirmed it is to trim its household gas costs and said it will extend its promise not to raise bills.

The company said it would reduce household gas prices by 4.1% but not until 30 April.

It added that its commitment not to raise gas and electricity costs would run for an extra seven months until July 2016.

Alistair Phillips-Davies, SSE's chief executive, said: "Customers are at the heart of SSE's business, and our work to secure their energy supplies in wholesale markets last spring enabled us to guarantee that prices would not increase until at least January 2016, showing we are committed to treating all of our customers fairly and to giving them stable prices over the long-term.

"We're being true to that commitment with a 4.1% reduction in the typical gas bill and an extended guarantee meaning gas and electricity prices won't go up before July 2016 at the earliest.

"The challenging business environment we identified at the start of this financial year is likely to continue into the new financial year and we believe that addressing the resulting issues directly is the right thing to do for customers and the best way of safeguarding the interests of investors.

"That is why, at the same time as reducing tariffs for customers, we're continuing to make sure our own house is in order for the future, with a clear focus on our value programme to make sure SSE is well-positioned for the long term."

The company announced the price changes in a trading update for the first nine months of its financial year in which it said profits for the full-year would be broadly in line with those for the previous 12 months.

SSE said the prolonged period of mild weather to 31 December 2014 meant that average consumption of electricity was estimated to have fallen by 5.6% while average consumption of gas dropped by almost 16%.

It also confirmed a fall in the number of households taking its gas and electricity - with 8.71 million customers registered on 31 December, down from 9.10 million on 31 March 2014.

More follows...

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